ATI Medical-Surgical Musculoskeletal Exam
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has a newly applied plaster
cast on the lower leg. Which finding requires the nurse's
priority intervention?
A. Mild itching beneath the cast
B. Warm toes with capillary refill of 2 seconds
C. Severe pain unrelieved by prescribed analgesics with
numbness of the toes
D. Mild swelling of the affected extremity
Rationale: Severe pain that is disproportionate to the injury,
particularly when accompanied by numbness or neurologic
changes, can indicate compartment syndrome. Increasing
pressure within a closed muscle compartment can compromise
circulation and nerve function and can result in permanent
tissue damage. This is an emergency requiring immediate
assessment and intervention. Mild itching and expected swelling
may occur after cast application, while warm toes and a
capillary refill of 2 seconds indicate adequate peripheral
perfusion.
,Question 2
A client with a fractured femur is placed in skeletal traction.
Which nursing action is appropriate?
A. Remove the weights when repositioning the client
B. Allow the weights to rest on the floor
C. Ensure the weights hang freely and maintain continuous
traction
D. Place additional weights on the traction apparatus when pain
increases
Rationale: Skeletal traction must provide a continuous pulling
force to maintain bone alignment. The prescribed weights
should hang freely and should not rest on the bed or floor
because doing so reduces the effectiveness of the traction.
Nurses should not independently increase or remove prescribed
weights. If pain increases, the client should be assessed for
complications such as neurovascular impairment or loss of
alignment.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client who has osteoporosis. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
,A. Avoid weight-bearing exercise
B. Increase caffeine consumption
C. Remain on bed rest during periods of discomfort
D. Perform weight-bearing exercise as tolerated
Rationale: Weight-bearing activities such as walking can help
stimulate bone formation and maintain bone strength in clients
with osteoporosis. Exercise should be appropriate for the client's
physical condition and fall risk. Excessive caffeine can interfere
with calcium balance, while prolonged bed rest increases bone
loss and muscle weakness. A comprehensive osteoporosis plan
also includes adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and
strategies to prevent falls.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client who has a fractured arm. Which
finding indicates impaired neurovascular status?
A. Slight swelling at the fracture site
B. Pain rated 4 on a 0-to-10 scale
C. Pallor and coolness of the fingers
D. Bruising surrounding the injury
Rationale: Pallor and coolness of the fingers can indicate
inadequate arterial circulation distal to the fracture.
Neurovascular assessment should include color, temperature,
, capillary refill, pulses, sensation, movement, and pain. Swelling
and bruising are common after fractures, but changes in
perfusion require prompt evaluation because prolonged
ischemia can result in tissue injury.
Question 5
A client is suspected of having compartment syndrome after a
tibial fracture. Which finding should the nurse recognize as an
early manifestation?
A. Absent peripheral pulse
B. Paralysis of the affected extremity
C. Pain that is severe and disproportionate to the injury
D. Complete loss of sensation
Rationale: Severe pain that is disproportionate to the injury and
pain that increases with passive stretching are important early
findings of compartment syndrome. Pulselessness, paralysis,
and profound sensory loss are late findings and may indicate
advanced neurovascular compromise. Early recognition is
critical because untreated compartment syndrome can cause
permanent muscle and nerve damage.
Question 6
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has a newly applied plaster
cast on the lower leg. Which finding requires the nurse's
priority intervention?
A. Mild itching beneath the cast
B. Warm toes with capillary refill of 2 seconds
C. Severe pain unrelieved by prescribed analgesics with
numbness of the toes
D. Mild swelling of the affected extremity
Rationale: Severe pain that is disproportionate to the injury,
particularly when accompanied by numbness or neurologic
changes, can indicate compartment syndrome. Increasing
pressure within a closed muscle compartment can compromise
circulation and nerve function and can result in permanent
tissue damage. This is an emergency requiring immediate
assessment and intervention. Mild itching and expected swelling
may occur after cast application, while warm toes and a
capillary refill of 2 seconds indicate adequate peripheral
perfusion.
,Question 2
A client with a fractured femur is placed in skeletal traction.
Which nursing action is appropriate?
A. Remove the weights when repositioning the client
B. Allow the weights to rest on the floor
C. Ensure the weights hang freely and maintain continuous
traction
D. Place additional weights on the traction apparatus when pain
increases
Rationale: Skeletal traction must provide a continuous pulling
force to maintain bone alignment. The prescribed weights
should hang freely and should not rest on the bed or floor
because doing so reduces the effectiveness of the traction.
Nurses should not independently increase or remove prescribed
weights. If pain increases, the client should be assessed for
complications such as neurovascular impairment or loss of
alignment.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client who has osteoporosis. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
,A. Avoid weight-bearing exercise
B. Increase caffeine consumption
C. Remain on bed rest during periods of discomfort
D. Perform weight-bearing exercise as tolerated
Rationale: Weight-bearing activities such as walking can help
stimulate bone formation and maintain bone strength in clients
with osteoporosis. Exercise should be appropriate for the client's
physical condition and fall risk. Excessive caffeine can interfere
with calcium balance, while prolonged bed rest increases bone
loss and muscle weakness. A comprehensive osteoporosis plan
also includes adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and
strategies to prevent falls.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client who has a fractured arm. Which
finding indicates impaired neurovascular status?
A. Slight swelling at the fracture site
B. Pain rated 4 on a 0-to-10 scale
C. Pallor and coolness of the fingers
D. Bruising surrounding the injury
Rationale: Pallor and coolness of the fingers can indicate
inadequate arterial circulation distal to the fracture.
Neurovascular assessment should include color, temperature,
, capillary refill, pulses, sensation, movement, and pain. Swelling
and bruising are common after fractures, but changes in
perfusion require prompt evaluation because prolonged
ischemia can result in tissue injury.
Question 5
A client is suspected of having compartment syndrome after a
tibial fracture. Which finding should the nurse recognize as an
early manifestation?
A. Absent peripheral pulse
B. Paralysis of the affected extremity
C. Pain that is severe and disproportionate to the injury
D. Complete loss of sensation
Rationale: Severe pain that is disproportionate to the injury and
pain that increases with passive stretching are important early
findings of compartment syndrome. Pulselessness, paralysis,
and profound sensory loss are late findings and may indicate
advanced neurovascular compromise. Early recognition is
critical because untreated compartment syndrome can cause
permanent muscle and nerve damage.
Question 6
